Simon Astley, Piano/Vocals + The Hidden Agenda: Jed Pickett - Guitars, Paul (Slats) Slattery - Bass, Nick Cheek - Drums
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Influences
Ben folds, the Whitlams, Monique Brumby, Silverchair, Missy Higgns, Natalie Imbruglia, Jet, Live, Powderfinger, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Epicure, Elton John, Crowded House, Thirsty Merc, Matchbox Twenty and Rob Thomas, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Carol King, Cat Stevens
Singer/Songwriter Simon Astley's piano driven songs with narrative lyrics may owe a debt to modern ivory tinklers like Ben Folds, The Whitlams and Billy Joel, but they are also startlingly original.His melodies are memorable and lyrics born with personality, showcase Simon's passion and expressions throughout his songwriting.
It has been a busy few years for this Tasmanian raised singer/songwriter who now resides in Melbourne. Simon has been playing many venues around Australia since 2003 such as Manchester Lane, The Espy, Brunswick Hotel, The Empress Hotel, Ruby's Lounge,The Wesley Anne Hotel, Idgaff Bar, The Spot, National Hotel, Rochester Castle, Za'Ba Cafe, Exchange Hotel, Cornish Arms, The Barwon Club, Barley Corn Hotel, The Govenor Of Hindmarsh, The Rhino Room, Batman Fawkner Hotel, The Republic Bar, Elwood Lounge, Sol's Deck Bar, The Cat 'n' Fiddle Hotel and many more. Simon has also played live on ABC radio in Adelaide and Hobart.
The end of 2004 saw the release of his powerful 4 track debut EP ‘Shopping Mall’, which became popular in the UK. The song 'Shopping Mall' was included on the compilation CD ‘Stay in the Box, Vol 2’ released through the independant record label Matchbox Recordings in London. The end of 2007 saw the released of his debut album 'Sofa So Good', which includes the song ‘If I Was There Tonight’ which was included on the compilation CD ‘Acoustika , Vol 10’ through independant record label 272 Records in Hollywood USA. The track 'Better Place To Hide' was also a popular single with the film clip featuring on RAGE in 2008.
Embarking on a couple of national tour's to promote his CD's , Simon gives his audience's something to rave about and has proved that watching him perform live can also make you laugh. Simon plays solo (piano,vocal) or with his band Simon Astley and The Hidden Agenda
The EP 'Shopping Mall', album ‘Sofa So Good’ and EP 'Sunset Avenue' are for sale in music stores and available on itunes. Simon is in the stages of recording his next CD with producer, singer songwriter Monique Brumby in Melbourne and will continue to play live gigs.!
MINNEAPOLIS – The $1.92 million verdict against a Minnesota woman accused of sharing 24 songs over the Internet could ratchet up the pressure on other defendants to settle with the recording industry if the big fine can withstand an appeal. In the latest trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis ruled that she must pay $1.92 million for willful infringement of the recording industry's copyrights by posting the music on the file-sharing site Kazaa. Under federal law, the recording companies are entitled to $750 to $30,000 per infringement but the law allows the jury to raise that to as much as $150,000 per track if it finds the infringements were willful. The jury decided on $80,000 per song.
This is so messed up.. but nothing surprises me anymore.. The lady that they are trying to get almost $2 million dollars from is a single mother of 4! So my friends in honor of the recording industry I would like to give you the gift of new music.. Feel free to DOWNLOAD the songs FOR FREE on my page... don’t worry.. I won’t sue you ;) <img .."visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="
Hey Simon how's it going? Thanks for the friendship!! If you have facebook & want to keep updated on my work you can join my art group. Just simply click on the image below and then click 'join group'.
Hello, the Custom Kings are playing their only Melbourne show this Saturday at the John Curtin Hotel, with special guests the Hello Mornings and Matheson.
Hope to see you there.
CK
Brisbane band They are Spies debut EP – ‘When Life Gives You Lemons’ is now available. $9. 95
Born of Alternative father and a Grooved out mother ‘When Life Gives You Lemons’ spent its early days on the hard drives of strangers. Mesmerised by the fast pace of city life it ventured out in search of thrills but found itself in the red light districts giving away songs to survive.
Road test the EP now by downloading Dad is Green for free at our myspace.
Hey Simon. How you doing this week? Thanks for being our friend. We've recently added two new songs so if you get the chance please pop by and have a listen and let us know what you think. Cheers 70s Cop